Concerns Over Unusual Foot Bruise After a Week
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for some advice! So, a bit of background: I’m 31 years old, healthy, and don’t struggle with any persistent health issues. On July 2, I moved to a new apartment. There was quite a bit of heavy lifting, but I can assure you that I didn’t drop anything onto my foot. My girlfriend can attest to this; if there had been any impact, I’d have probably made a fuss about it! I first noticed a bruise on July 6, and it has been noticeably worsening since then — becoming darker, red, and more swollen over the past week. I visited urgent care on July 10, where I received an X-ray. The doctor confirmed there were no fractures, and I was given the green light to play hockey. I participated in a game on July 11 but had to leave early because of pain. The bruise has continued to deteriorate since then, now appearing red and quite swollen. I can still walk, but any pressure on my foot causes significant discomfort. I think my hockey skate may have aggravated the bruise. Currently, I’ve also started noticing a slight dull pain on the outer side of my ankle on the same foot. It’s not sharp and has only recently become bothersome, emerging since Friday. Typically, I don’t have issues with bruises taking a long time to heal—this situation feels quite unusual for me. Usually, bruises I’ve experienced resolve themselves within a few days, so this prolonged issue is rather perplexing. I sought a second opinion at another urgent care clinic, but the provider seemed dismissive and even suggested I might be seeking medication, though I never requested anything specific. They did not recommend further imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan. To clarify my symptoms: - No signs of heat - No pus or wounds - Pain is manageable, but worsens with pressure - Sensitivity is localized, not widespread - I can’t recall a specific injury event - Slow healing bruises are not typical for me I’m at a bit of a loss about what steps to take from here. Some friends believe it could be a hairline or stress fracture that didn’t show up on the initial X-ray. I’m worried as this bruise doesn't seem to align with my past experiences. I’d greatly appreciate any insights from those who may have encountered a similar scenario or who have knowledge about stress injuries that could evade detection in early imaging. Thanks in advance for your help!
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 1:10:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning and unusual bruise on your foot, and it's understandable to feel frustrated given its persistence and the new pain you're noticing. The key points to consider include the ongoing bruising and swelling, the localized pain, and your recent history of heavy lifting.
Explanation:
Bruises typically heal within a few weeks, but if a bruise worsens over time, it may indicate an underlying issue. Given that you've ruled out fractures with an X-ray, there are several potential explanations for your symptoms, including:
- Soft Tissue Injury: You may have a contusion (bruise) or soft tissue injury that hasn't fully healed.
- Stress Fracture: It’s possible a hairline or stress fracture could be present; this sometimes doesn’t show on initial X-rays.
- Vascular Issues: Sometimes issues like capillary bleeding can cause a bruise to become more pronounced, especially with continued activity.
The dull pain on the outer side of your ankle might suggest you are compensating for the pain from the bruise, putting stress on surrounding structures.
Next Steps:
- Rest and Elevate: Limit activities that exert pressure on your foot. Elevate it when possible to reduce swelling.
- Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling and soothe pain.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can help with pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms over the next few days. Note any changes in color, size, swelling, or pain level.
- Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Once the acute pain reduces, consider gentle movements to maintain mobility without putting weight on the foot.
- Consult a Specialist: If symptoms continue to worsen or do not improve within a few days, you might consider seeking evaluation from an orthopedic specialist. They may recommend advanced imaging (like an MRI) to rule out a stress fracture or other injury.
Your situation warrants careful observation and self-care to avoid further complications. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further advice. Take care!
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